Summer 2025 was a season for the ages. I doubt we’ll see something like this for a long time. The most recent prior to that was Winter 2018.

Takopi’s Original Sin: They maximized the heck out of the medium and delivered six episodes of a complex and emotional story. I may not rewatch it again, but this is my new #1 overall anime.

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity: At the end of it all, this one delivered what I thought it could from the moment I saw the announcement poster (although the final episode carried it hard). This is where I also realized I like Kuroki Miyuki’s directional style. Cloverworks is one of the best studios out there, and within Cloverworks, Miuyki and her staff form the best team.

Other 10s in that season: Dandadan S2 (utterly consistent) and My Dress Up Darling S2 (a great step-up from S1)